2nd Annual Stormtroopers vs. Klingons Blood Drive is Tomorrow!

Sci-fi fans! Read 'Star Trek' vs. 'Star Wars:' The ultimate showdown from CNN's blog, then be sure to roll up your sleeves tomorrow and prove you're the ultimate fan at our 2nd Annual Stormtroopers vs. Klingons Blood Drive! (12/31 at the Portland Donor Center, 9AM-2:30PM)

Also - be sure to pick up this week's copies of Willamette Week and Portland Mercury and visit PDX PIPELINE to see our ads on the drive!

UO Ducks Lineman Saves A Life (and Red Cross demos "5 + 5")

With the Civil War Blood Drive finishing its 10-year anniversary this past fall, University of Oregon students are no strangers to helping save lives. The heroic actions of offensive lineman Mark Asper prove they're "already winning before the Rose Bowl," says KGW as they report on his efforts to save a "Duck dad" from choking on Wednesday night. Also featured in the video below is your very own Oregon Red Cross staff demonstrating the need for and correct action for helping a choking victim.

Brush up on your training by taking a CPR class, or review "Five and Five to Keep Them Alive" through this blog post (thanks to our Red Cross friends at the Central Valley chapter).

A resolution that's easy to keep... and gives you instant gratification!

The new year is a time for making resolutions, and it's time to resolve to help those in need by making a tax-deductible donation to the Red Cross before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

"Many people make charitable contributions at the end of the year as part of their holiday tradition, and the Red Cross depends on these donations to provide hope, help and compassion," said Maree Wacker, Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon Red Cross. "Nationally, donations in December account for about 20 percent of all non-disaster contributions from the public to the Red Cross."

"In Oregon, thousands of volunteers in local chapters of the Red Cross touched the lives of almost 140,000 people in the state, with disaster relief, support for military families and training in life-saving and preparedness skills," said Wacker. "Thousands of Oregonians also rolled up their sleeves and gave blood, helping the Red Cross provide more than 90% of Oregon's blood supply."

You can give something that means something before the New Year, by donating at www.oregonredcross.org, or by giving a tax deductible gift by check, or by phone at (503) 284-1234.

Every Day, the Oregon Red Cross is There

On Wednesday, December 28, 2011, Red Cross volunteers Ed Rentz, Mac McCawley and Geoff Jutzy responded to a disaster in the 9900 block of N Smith Street, Portland, OR. The fire occurred around midnight, and the family remained in their garage until all entrances were secured by a restoration company. The Red Cross provided assistance with immediate lodging, food, clothing, comfort kits, and information about Health and Mental Health services.

About three hours later, Red Cross volunteers Susan Nash and Judy Drescher responded to a disaster in the 900 block of SE Reynolds Street, Portland, OR. The Red Cross provided assistance with food, clothing, comfort kit, and information about Health and Mental Health services.

The Oregon Red Cross empowers ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts in emergency situations. We train. We mobilize. We connect donors and volunteers to those in urgent need of a helping hand.

Ten times a week, somewhere in Oregon, volunteers help a family who has lost everything in a house fire or other disaster. All disaster services are provided for free and supported solely by donations.

Thanks again to all the wonderful people, our generous donors and our amazing volunteers, who have helped us "be there" for the people of Oregon in 2011. It's not too late for you to join them: http://www.serve.com/redcross/?extlink=pa-us-serve-arc-intranet-201111

Stormtroopers, Klingons and Miss Oregon!

What do Stormtroopers, Klingons and Miss Oregon have in common? Find out in the new One minute Update from the Oregon Red Cross!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

PHILIPPINES: Relief continues to pour in for Typhoon Washi, that killed well over 1,000 people and devastated the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Teams of Red Cross volunteers are supporting doctors in treating survivors that received wounds nearly a week ago. In addition to typical first aid, the Red Cross is using psychological first aid for the extensive suffering many survivors are facing. The IFRC, ICRC, and Philippine Red Cross continue to address relief needs by sending thousands of relief kits, addressing water shortages, and supporting damaged health care facilities.

LIBYA: Libyan Red Crescent volunteers based in the eastern city of Benghazi are continuing to address a large number of displaced individuals from the conflicts earlier this year. Over the last ten months, 200 volunteers ran a camp that sheltered 75,000 people. The camp remains full as of early December, and is now seeing refugees escaping the violence in Syria.

MALI/NIGER: With support from the ICRC, a campaign to vaccinate 4.5 million animals has just been launched in the northern parts of Mali and Niger. The animals will be treated against parasites and immunized against diseases such as sheep and goat plague, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, camel pasteurellosis, and sheep and goat pox. These vaccinations will provide food security in this region with a highly sensitive economy, erratic climate conditions, and a history of food emergencies.

MAURITANIA: Poor rains in Mauritania this year have had a devastating effect on crops and livestock, leading to an inevitable rise in malnutrition. Between 10 and 15 per cent of the population is malnourished, and the figure is even higher among children. An IFRC team is monitoring the situation by screening children using a basic toolkit; bracelets to measure arm circumference, height gauge and scales. In addition to the problems that are normally associated with malnutrition, children are also more prone to disease and less able to fight off infection.


GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Stormtroopers vs. Klingons Blood Drive: 12/31 (Thanks PDX Pipeline!)

On December 31, 2011, the Red Cross will rekindle an epic blood drive battle between the ultimate galaxy warriors: Stormtroopers vs. Klingons! Blood and platelet donors from the greater Portland area will once again be called upon to choose their side in the intergalactic showdown!

The 2nd Annual Stormtroopers vs. Klingons blood drive, which was generously reposted by PDX Pipeline, will take place during the day on New Year’s Eve (12/31/2011) at the Portland Donor Center, located at 3131 North Vancouver Avenue, and will run from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Mingle and take photos with members of Star Wars and Star Trek costuming organizations “The 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist” and “Starfleet International.” Watch the films, listen to the soundtracks and defend your galaxy’s honor!

All presenting donors will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for either the Stormtroopers or the Klingons, and the side which receives the most votes will walk away with the second annual Galaxy Drive trophy.

In addition, donors will be given event-themed buttons (graphics shown here), a black Red Cross t-shirt and a free large, two-topping pizza coupon from Papa Murphy’s. They can also enter into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate courtesy of our friends at ThinkGeek AND a $100 Safeway gift card. Cake and coffee will be served, along with standard refreshment items.

Start the New Year with a new tradition! Bring in friends and family to experience the next frontier of blood drives in Portland!

To participate, here’s how it works:
1. For more information and to schedule your appointment, call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: stardrive to register as a donor for the December 31st drive at the Portland Donor Center.
2. Blood donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year-olds require a signed Red Cross parental consent form) and meet minimum height and weight requirements.
3. Donor appointments are not required, but are preferred.

Tracking Santa with NORAD and Google Earth

Check out Santa's schedule at his official NORAD Santa tracking website

Once again, Google is running its Santa tracker, a collaboration with NORAD that shows Santa Claus' location around the globe. Google-owned YouTube is also offering a snowflake button that adds gently falling snow on top of whatever video you're watching, as well as turning the progress bar counter into a single flake.

And if that's not enough for you, Google is also offering a way to leave voice messages for Santa, as well as creating personalized video and audio messages for others using its SendACallFromSanta.com site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How long has NORAD been tracking Santa?
• Why does NORAD track Santa?
• When will Santa arrive at my house?
• What route does Santa travel?
• Does Santa visit everyone (i.e. Afghanistan, Israel, non-Christian countries)?
• How can Santa travel the world within 24 hours?
• Is there a Santa Claus?
• How old is Santa?
• What does Santa look like?
• How does Santa get down chimneys?
• Do your planes ever intercept Santa?

And as it's done in years past, Google's put a bit of holiday cheer on its usually stark white search page.

The new design went live today ahead of Christmas. The doodle changes colors and plays "Jingle Bells" after users light up each note with their mouse. Clicking on the page itself does a search for "happy holidays."

The design itself is strongly reminiscent of the glowing Lite-Brite toys, which light up in various colors after being poked through thick, black construction paper. Once animated it looks like plain old holiday lights.

Happy Holidays from the staff and our amazing volunteers at the Oregon Chapters of the American Red Cross!

Pizza for a Pint! (December 26 - January 2)

Come in to Donate Blood at the Portland, Salem, and Vancouver Donor Centers Between December 26, 2011 and January 2, 2012 to Receive a Coupon for One FREE Large One-Topping Pizza* from Papa Murphy’s

During the holiday season, blood donations often decrease as threats of wintery weather intensify and family schedules turn hectic. Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. On average, 1,000 blood donations are needed in the Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region each day to help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many others.

Schedule your appointment at a blood drive near you or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Coupons will be given to all presenting donors at the above donor centers and can be used immediately at any participating Papa Murphy's locations. Some restrictions may apply. Offer valid only at participating Papa Murphy's locations.

Please schedule your donation appointment today. Check out Papa Murphy’s website for menu items and follow this link for a list of participating locations.

*While supplies last.

The global public toilet design committee

I know there are advocacy groups for everything these days, but sometimes there are groups that open your eyes! Here's our new fave - plus they have the best logo:

"PHLUSH is an all-volunteer advocacy group based in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. They collaborate with grassroots organizations, environmental activists, planners, architects, code officials and city managers."

This is the best part - "PHLUSH is a member of the World Toilet Organization, a partner in the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance and serves on the global public toilet design committee of the International Code Council."

Who knew there was a World Toilet Organization? Or that you could serve on a global public toilet design committee! I see new career paths opening before my eyes!

Seriously... "PHLUSH believes that toilet availability is a human right and that well-designed sanitation facilities restore health to our cities, our waters and our soils. We meet third Mondays at 5:30 pm at Floyd’s Coffee, 118 NW Couch St, Portland. Everyone is welcome."

They've even made sanitation after a Cascadia earthquake a topic of discussion (something I have never accomplished). We missed World Toilet Day and visiting with the PHLUSH folks at their booth at the Water! Festival in October, but we'll be there next year. Extra brownie points for clicking on every link in this post...

Saving the Galaxy One Pint at a Time - The Sequel!

On December 31, 2011, the Red Cross will rekindle an epic blood drive battle between the ultimate galaxy warriors: Stormtroopers vs. Klingons! Blood and platelet donors from the greater Portland area will once again be called upon to choose their side in the intergalactic showdown!

The 2nd Annual Stormtroopers vs. Klingons blood drive will take place during the day on New Year’s Eve (12/31/2011) at the Portland Donor Center, located at 3131 North Vancouver Avenue, and will run from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Mingle and take photos with members of Star Wars and Star Trek costuming organizations “The 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist” and “Starfleet International.” Watch the films, listen to the soundtracks and defend your galaxy’s honor!

All presenting donors will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for either the Stormtroopers or the Klingons, and the side which receives the most votes will walk away with the second annual Galaxy Drive trophy.

In addition, donors will be given event-themed buttons (graphics shown here), a black Red Cross t-shirt and a free large, two-topping pizza coupon from Papa Murphy’s. They can also enter into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate courtesy of our friends at ThinkGeek AND a $100 Safeway gift card. Cake and coffee will be served, along with standard refreshment items.

Start the New Year with a new tradition! Bring in friends and family to experience the next frontier of blood drives in Portland!

To participate, here’s how it works:
1. For more information and to schedule your appointment, call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: stardrive to register as a donor for the December 31st drive at the Portland Donor Center.
2. Blood donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year-olds require a signed Red Cross parental consent form) and meet minimum height and weight requirements.
3. Donor appointments are not required, but are preferred.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

PHILIPPINES: Last week tropical storm Washi swept through entire villages in several areas of the Philippines, causing the deaths of an estimated nearly 1,000 people and massive damage to infrastructure, including the water system. The ICRC, led by it’s local partner the Philippine Red Cross, distributed food packs, essential household items and hygiene kits for 18,000 people in three of the areas hardest hit within the first 48 hours. With more than 270,000 people now lacking access to clean drinking water, ICRC water and habitat engineers are devising ways to bring water from the undamaged water sources and of storing it for use by the survivors.

HAITI: The Haiti Red Cross Society is working to recycle rubble from the earthquake in 2010 to prepare for future disasters. So far they have been able to take 25,000 cubic meters of rubble and have local residents process it into concrete blocks, paving slabs or walls which will stop the ground from slipping away during Haiti’s next heavy rains or in case of another earthquake. The rubble recycling is just one part of the Haiti Red Cross Society’s neighborhood development support that assists in providing shelters, access to water and sanitation, and job opportunities along with training and technical support.

SOMALIA: Torrential rains that started in the southern provinces of Somalia in early October were welcomed in the drought stricken nation, however most roads were turned into rivers that have slowed down transport and delivery of food aid. Together with the Somali Red Crescent Society, the ICRC has distributed beans, rice and oil to over 917,000 people in southern and central Somalia. This will help farmers bridge the gap until January, when they will be able to harvest from seed the ICRC has also distributed.

NORTH KOREA: In North Korea, meager crops were severely damaged after being struck by a typhoon and flooding in July and August. Now, with the arrival of the first snow, people in the area are busy preparing for what they expect to be a severe winter. The Red Cross Society of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, supported by the IFRC, has so far distributed 288 metric tons of yellow maize to 6,051 of the most vulnerable families (24,827 people) who were severely affected by floods and subsequent food shortages in three target counties in South Hwanghae province.


GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Miss Oregon's "Old Spice" Parody for Miss America - Vote Now!

Miss Oregon 2011 Caroline McGowan showcases Portland (and some unparalleled whistling talent) through her Miss America video contest submission below!

Please share the video/vote for her as she represents the Red Cross at the Miss America competition here.

Caroline brings Portland cred to the national stage with a parody of the random/brilliant Old Spice video below (featuring Portland actor Isaiah Mustafa and created by acclaimed Portland ad organization Weiden +Kennedy)



Old Spice original video:



Please share Miss Oregon's video to encourage people to vote! Viral videos are only possible if we set the chain reaction!

The 50 Best Blogs for Future Leaders

This from the staff at the Online Colleges Blog - a well done compendium of useful tips, tricks, insights and advice for those individuals on the cusp of greatness... Our sweet little Cross Blog, begun by Robin and Lise, and nurtured by Nate, Scott, Kate and others has been listed as one of their 50 BEST BLOGS FOR FUTURE LEADERS.

With stories like "10 ACADEMIC FRAUDS WHO HAD EVERYONE FOOLED" (thank goodness I didn't make that list - I was only number 12), this is a great place to find all sorts of useful college related info. This from their blog post on the 50 best blogs:

"The old adage purports that the best leaders come hurtling headfirst into the world instead of eventually learning the necessary skill sets. Maybe. Maybe not.

Even the natural-born mobilizers and motivators out there could benefit from a few shots of nurture to get the ol’ noggin a-flooded with ideas. Whether prepping themselves for the soapbox or boardroom, these future leaders need to educate themselves about the world and how to best sharpen the personal tools needed for lasting success and influence."

This is a great list! And not withstanding our inclusion (in Human Rights, Social Justice and Ethics), there are quite a few on the list I'll be adding to my regular early morning bloggy visits... Happy Solstice!

The Muppets Teach Holiday Tree Safety

You’ve found the perfect holiday tree, strapped it to the roof of your car and made it home…time to decorate! However, before you unleash your inner Griswold and put all the glitz and glam on your beloved tree, the Red Cross and The Muppets have a few tips keeping your holiday merry and bright.

Christmas Tree Care

• Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees.
• If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.
• Use a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
• Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
• Make sure that any light strings or other decorations for the tree are in good condition and follow manufacturer’s instructions for their use. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords.
• Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
• Safely dispose of trees as they become dry and needles begin to drop.
• Dispose of trees through recycling centers or community pick-up services. Dried-out trees should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house or garage.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets by not linking more than three light strands.
• Use decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant

Place decorations at least three feet away from fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

Now to sum this advice up, our friends The Muppets, have graciously teamed up with UL Laboratories to give you a little friendly tree advice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xaT3R5mzKfU

"Couch Commerce" Can Ease Holiday Shopping Stress!

With the holidays not too far into the future, we can start to feel the pressure. For two weeks, we've been bombarded with "incentives" to get to the stores ASAP, or else the deals would pass us by.

But now you can breathe a sigh of relief and relax this weekend. With just a few clicks on your keypad, you can put a major dent in your Christmas shopping list.

The Red Cross Holiday gift catalog is the place to shop for gifts that mean something. As you browse the catalog, you not only see how you can help, but you also become informed of exactly what the Red Cross does. The global scope of service is inspiring.

One line of gifts centers around those currently serving in the armed forces. You can send a military comfort kit to a wounded service member. The kit provides them with a robe, shower shoes, a phone card to call home and an MP3 music gift card. Another way to give back to our brave service members is by buying a Hygiene Kit for homeless vets. A staggering one third of homeless adults are veterans. This kit provides them a toothbrush, shaver, washcloth and other hygiene essentials.

For $75.00 you can buy a bicycle to help a Red Cross volunteer across the globe reach remote villages. You can help provide support for first responders, as they battle against disaster. You can provide food and shelter for victims of disaster worldwide, or right here in your own neighborhood.

However you want to help -- the choice is personal, but the benefit will be universal.

Holiday Safety Tips

The Oregon Red Cross has some great safety tips for this winter season, even if you’re not riding in a one-horse open sleigh or roasting chestnuts on an open fire... Holiday Safety Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles. Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Weather Safety Although winter hasn’t officially begun, snow has already fallen on many parts of the country. But it’s not too late to prepare for whatever Mother Nature may send your way. First, make sure you have an emergency preparedness kit. This should include, at a minimum: Water -- one gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene purposes Food that is non-perishable and easy-to-prepare Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio) Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit, medications and medical items Manual can opener Extra blankets and warm clothing, including boots, mittens and a hat for all household members Non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery If a winter storm WATCH is issued in your area, it means a winter storm is possible. Pay attention to updates from local radio and TV stations, and avoid any unnecessary travel. If a winter storm WARNING is issued, it means a winter storm is headed for your area. Stay indoors during the storm if possible. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately! Driving Safety Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must, make sure you have a winter storm survival kit in the trunk. Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. If you do get stuck . . . Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm. Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air. Giving the gift of Preparedness is a great way to show you care. Purchasing or putting together 3-day Disaster Supply Kits is a wonderful way to help the friend or family member who ‘knows they should’ but never quite gets around to creating one. Please view our life-saving products at our Red Cross Store. On behalf of all of us at the Oregon Red Cross, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

EAST TIMOR: A team of well-trained Red Cross Volunteers recently helped with a horrific collision in regional East Timor. Four people died and almost 20 more were seriously injured when a troop carrier crashed two hours south of the capital, Dili. Nurses and doctors at the local hospital in Aileu were overwhelmed by the size of the emergency and Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste volunteers stepped-in to help. For eight years, the organization has received funding and training support from the Japanese Red Cross and the IFRC.

IRAQ: People in rural Iraq are among the most severely affected by seemingly never-ending violence, the lack of economic perspectives and of appropriate infrastructure. The ICRC is helping needy farmers increase their production in a sustainable way, and since September has provided some 900 farmers in Diyala, Baghdad, Wassit, Babil and Anbar governorates with drip irrigation systems benefiting over 6,300 people. Since the beginning of the year, almost 42,000 people, mainly in rural areas of central Iraq, have been given a boost by ICRC livelihood support projects.

LIBYA: More than 100 surgeons are enhancing their skills treating gunshot and blast-wounded patients through a seminar in Tripoli this week. The training is being co-organized by ICRC and the Ministry of Health. The ICRC conducted similar workshops in Benghazi, Tripoli and the Nefusa Mountains earlier in 2011.

INDONESIA: The ICRC has recently completed a mass scabies treatment program at the Labuhan Deli Prison in Medan, North Sumatra, working with the Indonesian Directorate General of Corrections. Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by tiny, invisible mites that spreads easily in crowded surroundings such as at prisons. The campaign benefited 908 inmates, who had been living with scabies for years.

NIGERIA: Many children in Nigeria miss school or find it hard to concentrate because of the little talked of illnesses caused by worms. The Mushin division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society is tackling this by distributing de-worming tablets and teaching students about the importance of taking them regularly. So far 35 Red Cross volunteers have targeted 84 primary schools and provided tablets to over 22,000 children.



GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Give Something That Really Means Something

This year, The Oregon Chapters of the American Red Cross encourage you to Give Something That Really Means Something for the holidays through the Holiday Giving Catalog.

"With so many people in need this year, Oregonians want to both give and receive things that really mean something," said Maree Wacker, Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon Chapters of the American Red Cross. "The Holiday Giving Catalog provides us all with heartfelt opportunities to make a difference and to give with a purpose."

Give your family a Red Cross CPR or first aid class. You can even give your family and friends the chance to take classes on babysitting and pet first aid!

How about a comfort kit for a wounded or injured service member. Your donation can make sure they are warmly welcomed at a military hospital with kits filled with most-needed items such as a phone card, robe, shower shoes, toiletries and MP3 music gift card.

Or how about giving the gift that everyone wants but money can't buy through donating blood at your nearest Red Cross blood drive or donation center. Unlike fashion trends, video games or golf clubs, this perfect gift costs nothing but an hour of your time.

Greeting cards are included with each tax-deductible Holiday Giving Catalog purchase to notify loved ones and friends of the gifts you have made in their name. You may also opt to send an e-card version. Each gift item provides support to the mission of the Red Cross and items are available to fit any budget.

In the Holiday Giving Catalog, you'll see that small financial donation can provide a full day of emergency shelter when somebody really needs a hand. Disaster victims often have to leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. But a Red Cross response always begins with a safe place to sleep, hot food and emotional support. You can provide these essentials for a disaster victim for an entire day, including shelter, three meals, two blankets, one cot and personal supplies for only $50.

You can help your family and friends prepare for disasters with Red Cross emergency gear like family disaster kits, or a hand crank/ solar powered portable radio that includes flashlight and cell phone charger.

The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution to the overall mission of the American Red Cross… and on the rare occasion when donations exceed the need in a particular area, we will use your contribution to help others where the need is greatest.

Join us at the Oregon Chapters of the American Red Cross and give a gift that really means something. Go online to www.OregonRedCross.org to learn more.

New Ways to Help: Use Serve and Double Your Donation

The American Red Cross now has a new "wonder widget" available. With just a few clicks, you can double your donation. The Red Cross invited Charlotte Fuller, who works on the Public Affairs team at American Express to share some insights on Serve.

Anne Marie Borrego: Hi Charlotte. First, I have to ask, what exactly is Serve?

Charlotte: Serve is a new product from American Express that allows you to send and receive money from friends and family. You can access Serve online or through your mobile device or use your Serve card to make purchases everywhere American Express Cards are accepted.

To put it simply, we’ve all been in situations where we need to settle up with friends, go in on a gift, split the check or raise money for a cause – Serve makes it easy to move money wherever you are.

Anne Marie Borrego: That’s helpful. So you’ve set up this special widget for the Red Cross. How does it work?

Charlotte: We’ve developed a Serve Red Cross Charity Widget that can easily be downloaded to any web site, blog or social media page so that our customers and their friends can donate to the American Red Cross in just a few clicks.

As part of this partnership Serve will match contributions made through the Widget throughout the holiday season.

Anne Marie Borrego: I should pause here and say thank you. Matching gifts like this help us stay out there with our shelters, show up when a house catches fire and do all of the good work that the nation relies on us to do.

Charlotte: You’re very welcome. We, at Serve, are thankful and excited to partner with such an important organization to help make a difference this holiday season.

The money raised will fund critical needs like shelters, hot meals, and relief supplies to those affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, and floods.

Anne Marie Borrego: One last question-after making a donation, I might want to share the widget with my friends. Can I do that?

Charlotte: To help us spread the world and encourage your friends to participate, download the American Red Cross Charity Widget on your blog, Facebook page or any of the social networks you hang out, or simply go to the Red Cross Site to donate and help us reach the maximum goal this holiday season – every dollar counts!

To find out more, please go to: https://widgets.servevirtual.net/ViewWidget.aspx?wid=2183